Thursday, December 22, 2005

SONGFACTS ....

I have always found that songs become much more interesting ...when I know the small little facts/anecdotes behind them.

[1] One of my most surprising discoveries was the issue of “backmasking” or “ backtracking” in some songs.It means inserting hidden messages into tracks which can be consciously heard only when played backwards. Like “Stairways to heaven” – Led Zeppelin ...

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow … Don't be alarmed now,It's just a spring clean for the May queen.Yes, there are two paths you can go byBut in the long run …There's still time to change the road you're on.

when played backward; Is said to have “satanic messages” …”oh here’s to my sweet satan …”

[2] I’ve always marveled at people who can compose lyrics IMPROMPTU ...“When a man loves a woman” – Percy Sledge

When a man loves a woman … Can't keep his mind on nothing elseHe'll trade the world … For the good thing he's foundIf she's bad he can't see it … She can do no wrongTurn his back on his best friend … If he put her down

As the story goes; Sledge was to perform in a concert, but was extremely upset as his girlfriend for 3 years had left him. He could not concentrate on the songs he was supposed to be singing. So he asked his fellow band-men to play “any” Blues based tune of their choice; to which he could sing. Sledge gave an impromptu rendition for almost 6 minutes ...

“What’d I say”: Ray CharlesRay is said to have improvised this song in a concert; when he had finished playing every song he knew; but still had 12 minutes left. This became smash hit and said to be the greatest soul song ever!

[3] The most interesting are the heartfelt songs on PERSONAL LIFE:Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

It’s late in the eveningShe’s wondering what clothes to wearShe puts on her make upAnd brushes her long blonde hairAnd then she asks meDo I look alrightAnd I say yes, you look wonderful tonight

Clapton wrote this song while waiting for his girlfriend Patti [his future wife and ex-wife of George Harrison] She was married to George Harrison when Clapton expressed his love for her in the song “Layla”. "Tears in heaven" – Clapton wrote this about his 4-year-old son Conor, who died when he fell out of a 53rd floor window in his mother's apartment in New York City.

Would you know my name ... If I saw you in heaven Will it be the same ... If I saw you in heaven I must be strong, and carry on ... Cause I know I don't belong ... Here in heaven

In my earlier post on John Lennon; I’ve already listed some songs he wrote for his near-n-dear ones: Good Night – for son Julian Beautiful Boy – for son Sean Oh Yoko – wife YokoJulia - mother

[4] There are some interesting songs with political messages:

Let me tell you now … Ev'rybody's talking aboutRevolution, evolution, masturbation … flagellation, regulation, integrations,meditations, United Nations … Congratulations.All we are saying is give peace a chance All we are saying is give peace a chance

This was recorded May,1969 at a "Bed-In" Lennon staged in Queen Elizabeth's Hotel in Montreal. This was John and Yoko’s effort to promote world peace. They got a great deal of media attention, which is exactly what they wanted to promote their cause…

London calling to the faraway townsNow that war is declared and battle come downLondon calling to the underworldCome out of the cupboard all you boys and girsLondon calling now don't look to usPhony Beatlemania has bitten the dustLondon calling see we ain't got no swingExcept for the ring of that truncheon

“The Clash" were known for lashing out against injustice and rebelling against the establishment. The title came from the BBC World Service's radio station identification: "This is London calling..." The BBC used it during World War II.

[5] One of Led Zeppelin’s most famous songs is : “Black Dog”. The song gets its name from a huge black dog that entered in the studio at the time of its recording.When the drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard lost one of his arms in a car accident in 1984; he decided to keep on playing with only one hand and also learned to use his feet. The band continued as normal and their next album was “Hysteria”…

I felt like updating this spot ...and with very less time in hand ... This is what I could write ...REFERENCED heavily from : http://www.songfacts.com/

2 Comments:

I really wonder how it is possible to backmask. You cannot possibly do it on purpose, which means that it is probably the result of an hyperactive imagination.The biggest political band of all time - U2!! Have you seen the latest cover of time - Bill and Melinda Gates, U2..

O Yes...I subscribe to "The Time" magazine ...and this time have read almost all the articles. You're talking about "The Good Samaritans" ....And I love rock-stars... especially Bono; with his 'bona fide' works!!!

Backmasking is rather very interesting... and whole lot of controversies, and I'm sure you're aware of it!But have you ever heard of them?Long back, someone had sent me a link; and I heard a few; though initially they sound gibberish... but you may actually get some of it ...

But, i've read that backmasking can also do it intentially..Check out this site:http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_cul5.htm